Overview Compare Bus via Hai Phong To Stay
How to get from Ninh Binh to CatBa
Cat Ba is a biodiverse island along Vietnam’s northeast coast. The largest of the islands in Halong Bay, Cat Ba has experienced a boom in tourism in recent years.
It boasts of a rugged karst landscape dotted with spectacular limestone cliffs, sandy beaches, lakes, grottoes, and waterfalls. Popular activities include kayaking and rock climbing, as well as just lounging by the beach and waiting for the sunset at Cannon Fort.
There are 2 ways to travel the 125 km from Ninh Binh to CatBa. You can take a 4-hour combined bus & ferry or a 4.5-hour bus and ferry via Hai Phong. Rates start from 246,000 VND ($10) and 420,000 VND ($17.50), respectively.
2 ways to get from Ninh Binh to CatBa
Are you travelling directly from Ninh Binh to CatBa? It is more convenient to book a combined bus & ferry ticket. Rates are cheaper starting from 246,000 VND ($10). Also, your tour operator will take care of all your transfers so you won’t have to worry about anything during the trip.
If you want to be more flexible with your schedule or if you’re planning to make a stop in Hai Phong, you can take a bus from Ninh Binh to Hai Phong and then take the ferry to CatBa at a later time. Combined fares start from 420,000 VND ($17.50).
There is also an option to take the train from Ninh Binh to CatBa, but we don’t recommend this as it requires a lot of transfers. There are no direct trains and if you want to complete the journey on the same day, you’ll have to take an early morning train from Ninh Binh that departs at 03:20.
Conclusion: Either book a direct bus ticket from Ninh Binh to CatBa or take the train but stay one or a few nights in Hanoi before you continue your journey to CatBa.
TIP: Want to visit Halong Bay instead? Check out this route overview from Hanoi to Halong Bay or book a Halong Bay boat cruise, incl. pick-up starting from 1,151,000 VND ($48.50) with Klook.
Itinerary from Ninh Binh to CatBa
Ninh Binh to CatBa by Bus + Ferry
There are several bus and ferry trips available daily from Tam Coc or Ninh Binh to CatBa. Daiichi Travel and The Long Travel are two of the main operators for this route.
Both receive fairly good reviews, but we prefer travelling with Daiichi as they offer free hotel drop-off in CatBa. Fares start from 246,000 VND ($10).
The bus and ferry journey from Ninh Binh to CatBa takes around 4 hours. Operators usually follow this route:
- A bus brings you from Tam Coc or Ninh Binh to Ben Binh Ferry Port in Hai Phong.
- From there, you will be transferred to a ferry that takes you to Cai Vieng Pier on the northeast coast of CatBa.
- In Cai Vieng, you will board the bus again to get to CatBa town centre on the south coast.
Departure and arrival station
Buses depart from their company’s respective offices in Tam Coc town centre, although The Long Travel also picks up passengers in Ninh Binh City.
Both companies park in CatBa town centre. Daiichi also offers free drop-off directly at your hotel’s doorstep.
Bus schedules from Ninh Binh to CatBa
PRO TIP: Use the free N26 debit card to avoid the extra fees charged by your bank. This N26 debit card is becoming very popular among travellers, because they don't charge any fees on payments in foreign currencies (most banks charge 3%-5%). New members can order one for free on the N26 website
Where to book your combined bus + ferry ticket from CatBa to Ninh Binh?
Booking online via BookAway not only guarantees you a seat on your desired date and time, it also ensures that you will get a comfortable ride. Just in case it fails to deliver, you can also easily file a complaint with BookAway’s very reliable customer service.
Another option is to book with an agency or hotel in Tam Coc or Ninh Binh, although they don’t always offer the best services.
Ninh Binh to CatBa via Hai Phong by Ferry + Bus
Are you planning to explore Hai Phong on your way to CatBa? If yes, then you can also book separate tickets for your bus and ferry trips from Ninh Binh to CatBa.
Step 1: Ninh Binh to Hai Phong by Bus
The Long Travel operates two daily bus trips from Tam Coc town centre to Hai Phong city centre. A ticket costs 261,000 VND ($11) for the 3-hour journey.
Buses depart from The Long Hotel in Tam Coc and arrive at Nha Hat Lon in Hai Phong city centre, just 1 km south of Ben Binh Harbour.
IMPORTANT: When buying your ticket online, make sure to book a bus that arrives in Nha Hat Lon. Other buses go all the way to Got Pier, which is located 30 km away from Hai Phong city centre.
Bus schedule from Ninh Binh to Hai Phong
Step 2: Hai Phong to CatBa by Ferry
When taking a ferry from Hai Phong to CatBa, it’s best to depart from Ben Binh Pier or Pha Binh.
First, Ben Binh Pier is located just about 2 km north of Hai Phong city centre. Second, ferries operating from Ben Binh will take you directly to CatBa Pier in the island’s town centre.
Ferries depart from Ben Binh Pier and dock at CatBa Pier, which is located within walking distance of many hotels in CatBa town centre.
Ferry schedule from Hai Phong to CatBa
You can buy your tickets at the port or online beforehand through Baolau.
Our favourite places to stay in Cat Ba
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About the author(s)
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
